A collection of beautiful prints and fabrics

July 5th, 2009 admin

A Collection of Beautiful Prints and Fabrics

Want your home to look like it was furnished by a professional designer? It doesn’t take an art school degree to plan out a beautiful layout, in fact it all comes down to selecting and coordinating the right fabrics and prints. There are many gorgeous fabrics and prints on the market today, and you can include more than just one in a room. Mixing luxurious solid fabrics with fashionable prints is a great formula for style success.

When most people think of fabric prints, they usually think of floral patterns first. That’s because floral patterns are probably one of the most popular patterns. Offering a timeless look, decorating with florals breathes a fresh, vibrant impression into a room. There are many floral patterns to choose from, but the easiest to work with are generally those with the biggest prints. Although at first these might appear too bold, their large graphics will keep the pattern from becoming too busy. A few floral pillows make the perfect accent to a casual sofa, breakfast nook or guest bedroom.

Animal prints are also timelessly popular. From bold and modern zebra prints to classically exotic tiger and cheetah designs, these prints can fit in with nearly any style or decor. Because most have neutral hues (cheetah for instance consists of browns and tans), these patterns are perfect for people who are unsure if pattern fabrics are for them. A simple faux fur in an animal print or upholstered chair can be just the thing to bring a touch of sophistication to a room. However, animal print can also be seen in larger scale pieces, like cheetah chaise lounges or leopard Recamiers.

On the opposite end of the print spectrum, there is the classically refined toile pattern. Full of pastoral scenes of ladies and lords, these prints hearken back to the courtyards of France. Use these versatile fabrics in the kitchen, dining room or even bathroom for a refined yet country look. Another similar pattern that is especially popular these days is damask. With its regal look, these classical patterns are offered in a myriad of colors, from traditional to trendy.

Now to balance out the mix of patterns, you’ll need to also incorporate solid colored fabrics. Microfiber offers multiple benefits, including durability, easy cleaning and color retention. With the smooth look of suede, this fabric is a budget friendly option, especially for families. For durability and style, nothing can compare to leather. Although it may be a significant investment, leather is an option that will last for many years. But if you’re thinking that leather might be too masculine or dark for your living spaces, take another look at today’s leather furnishings and you’ll see a full color palette to choose from.

Looking for a fabric that is extremely comfortable and elegant? Then chenille is the perfect choice. With soft lines of textured fabric, chenille not only feels lavish, it also looks impeccable. Ultra Suede is another luxurious option that offers a smooth feel that is perfect for modern tastes.

It’s clear that there are numerous options available when you’re searching for the perfect fabric. Many furniture retailers offer custom upholstering, which means that you can select the style of frame you want and then customize it with the fabric you crave. But you don’t have to look for custom pieces to get the most out of today’s hottest styles. Most major furniture retailers will have a selection of designs all in these popular fabrics and prints.

Remember, one piece of furniture alone can’t set the entire design motif for a room. Rather than spending time and money on stand-out pieces of furniture, look for small, manageable ways to add character and interest to your home with prints and fabrics. It’s the mixing and matching of various colors, designs, patterns and prints that make a room special. The most attractive rooms have multiple layers of style. So begin with a base color you love that coordinates with your wall colors and flooring and move out from there, gaining confidence and becoming more adventurous as you select fabrics.

Once you have your largest pieces of furniture taken care of, accessorize with smaller pieces in bolder prints. Maybe add a toile wing chair or a floral settee to the room. Finally, put the icing on the cake by adding a mix of solids and prints in pillows, throws and decorative touches. Once all the layers come together, you’ll see just how important the right fabrics can be. And by selecting fabrics that feel great, you’ll enjoy not only looking at your creation, but also sitting, sleeping and living with fabrics that bring out the best of your home.